Matty Dawson’s perseverance wins the day

John Yates

Perseverance is a word which will figure prominently in Matty Dawson’s dictionary.

The 25-year-old has shown plenty of it since former Saints’ boss Nathan Brown signed him from his old club, Huddersfield Giants, in late September 2013.

A five-match stint on dual registration at unfashionable Rochdale Hornets the following year didn’t dim his ambition and while concussion cut short his appearance against Leeds Rhinos at Langtree Park last Friday night, it represented a mini-milestone for the Pontefract-born lad who is equally at home in the role of full back or centre.

It was his 10th successive game as a member of the starting 13 during which time he has crossed the whitewash six times and lies second in the club’s try scoring charts - one behind second rower Joe Greenwood.

Saints head coach Keiron Cunningham said: “Matty is a really good squad player and trains hard whether he is playing or not and hopefully he can maintain that starting spot.”

Dawson, who has featured in more than 40 first team games since crossing the Pennines, said: “I don’t mind what position I occupy. As long as I’m handed a shirt, I will be happy.”

He added: “I feel I am doing all right and as long as Keiron is happy with me I will do everything which is asked of me and stay in the first team as long as I can.”

Meanwhile, Jonny Lomax wishes to place on record his thanks to all the good luck messages he received from fans on his return to first team action at Langtree Park after a 13-month absence due to injury.